Mallard's Landing in Columbus, OH

Pros

• Paloma and the staff are amazing.
• Paloma is very kind and always solves residents' problems with professionalism.
• The maintenance team does a terrific job and fixes issues quickly.
• The office staff are friendly and responsive.
• The complex has improved significantly under new management, prioritizing tenants' needs.
• The apartments are nice with good layouts.
• The community is quiet and well maintained.

Cons

• They were very disappointed with how the first month of living there had gone.
• They discovered multiple move-in issues (oven not working, broken garbage disposal, missing screen windows, fans not installed properly) and a roach infestation that remained unresolved.
• They feel these issues should have been resolved before move-in, and none have been resolved.
• They blame North York Residential for understaffing, which they say prevents management from adequately taking care of residents.
• They describe maintenance as lacking and the office as almost always closed, with staff never answering the phone.
• They allege cabinets were replaced from another apartment with cockroaches and installed in theirs, and that the maintenance guy didn't know how to work.
• They report incompetent and rude staff, with long delays fixing appliances (AC for six months, washer for four months) and an erroneous late-payment notice.
• They characterize customer service as horrible.

Review

Mallard's Landing in Columbus, Ohio is best suited for seniors who want an affordable, independent-living option in a quiet, convenient neighborhood and can tolerate a lighter maintenance footprint. The appeal rests in solid apartment layouts, reasonable rent, and a culture where the on-site team can make a meaningful difference when staffed and attentive. The strongest differentiator is hands-on, personable management - when the office is open and responsive, residents feel heard quickly. For couples or singles prioritizing value over pristine turn-key readiness, this community can deliver a comfortable baseline living experience. It is not the place for those who demand flawless units at move-in or a flawless, always-on maintenance pipeline.

Prospective residents should consider alternatives if reliable, predictable service and care-support are non-negotiables. Multiple reviews flag inconsistent maintenance response, long repair lead times, and a history of moving targets around what is promised versus delivered. Move-in readiness has been questionable, with at least one unit arriving with appliances not functioning, screens missing, or fans misinstalled. Office hours have not always been dependable, and parking controls are imperfect - factors that can complicate daily routines. For a senior who needs on-site healthcare, structured activities, or a robust, always-present management presence, a campus with dedicated care services or a more staffed operation may be a better match.

Yet the key positives cannot be dismissed. Value and location anchor the upside: good-sized apartments at a reasonable price in a neighborhood that supports easy errands and social activity. The charisma in the team - particularly Paloma - has repeatedly translated into real problem resolution. When Paloma and a capable maintenance crew show up, issues get resolved promptly, and residents report steadier communication and more predictable service. The downside is that these improvements appear to depend on staffing tides and who is in charge at the office. In a setting where the parent company has been described as understaffed, the best-case experience hinges on a few standout individuals who can carry the day.

Maintenance reality, as observed in the reviews, ranges from frustrating to corrective. Early move-in problems included a non-working oven, a broken garbage disposal, missing screens, and a roach issue that was eventually managed. Some residents endured weeks or months of slower fixes, while others celebrate rapid remediation after a change in staff. A recent trend shows a capable maintenance technician addressing leaks and other defects in short order, and new appliances being provided through attentiveness from management. Still, not all units are protected from old inefficiencies, and turnover in hand-off between management and maintenance can reopen old gaps if new issues surface.

From a community-culture perspective, Paloma's presence has become the emotional fulcrum. Reviewers praise her kindness, responsiveness, and willingness to listen, and many reminisce about the office finally being accessible and helpful. The contrast between the old, closed office and the current, resident-focused posture is sharp. However, other residents report inconsistent service and occasional rudeness or incompetence among staff, underscoring a real variance in experience. Parking remains a practical friction point for some tenants, with sticker limits not always enforced. The net effect is a place where excellent customer service can exist side-by-side with frustrating gaps - an environment that rewards tenants who proactively verify who is in charge and how requests are handled.

Bottom-line guidance for families evaluating Mallard's Landing: weigh the financial value and the quiet, convenient setting against the risk of uneven service and unpredictable response times. If choosing this community, insist on a documented maintenance-response plan, confirm current office hours and staffing, and verify that a reliable, long-term manager is in place - preferably Paloma or someone with a proven track record. Visit multiple times, including evenings and weekends, to assess consistency. Talk to residents about how often issues reappear after resolution, and seek a clear parking policy. For families seeking on-site care, meals, and memory-support pathways, this is likely not the right fit; for those prioritizing affordability and a pleasant, low-frustration rent with a proactive manager, Mallard's Landing can be a solid, practical choice.

This area of Columbus, Ohio offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. Within a short distance, there are several pharmacies, restaurants offering a range of dining options, parks for outdoor recreation, hospitals for medical care, cafes for social gatherings, physicians' offices for healthcare needs, theaters for entertainment, and places of worship for spiritual enrichment. The proximity of these establishments can provide easy access to essential services and opportunities for social engagement. Additionally, the diverse range of dining options and recreational facilities cater to various interests and preferences. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment with convenience and accessibility in mind.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Marc's Stores (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Columbus Square Bowling Palace (0.8 miles)
• Golden Phoenix Restaurant (1.1 miles)
• The Volleypark (1.4 miles)
• Bob Evans (2.4 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Sharon Woods Metro Park (2.2 miles)
• Metzger Park (3.5 miles)
• Whetstone Park / Park of Roses (4.3 miles)
• Antrim Park (4.4 miles)
• Flint Park (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Mount Carmel St Ann's OBGYN Clinic (2.5 miles)
• Ohio Health (5.1 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
• Northstar Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Crimson Cup (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.9 miles)

Physicians

• Worthington Family Physicians (2.8 miles)
• Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates (4.1 miles)
• Premier Women's Health (4.2 miles)
• Rgi Dr James (4.3 miles)
• PrimeMD - Westerville Primary Care Walk-ins (4.4 miles)
• Maureen Ann Stark (4.5 miles)
• Central Ohio Primary Care (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Dreamscape at AMC Easton Town Center (2.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Faith Ministries Church (3.7 miles)
• Westerville Christian Church (3.8 miles)
• Holy Name Church (5.5 miles)